HB 1443 - Mississippi Retail Marijuana Code

• Creates the Mississippi Retail Marijuana Code allowing cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, sale, and testing of retail marijuana through licensed establishments by persons 21 years or older, effective July 1, 2017.

• Establishes the Commissioner of Revenue as the State Licensing Authority to regulate retail marijuana businesses and creates a Marijuana Cash Fund to receive license fees and application fees ($5,000 per application).

• Defines seven license classes: retail marijuana stores, cultivation facilities, products manufacturers, testing facilities, transporters, business operators, and occupational licenses for employees.

• Requires retail marijuana stores to collect 7% sales tax on all retail sales and wholesale transactions, with restrictions on single transaction purchases (1 ounce maximum) and sales only to persons 21 years or older.

• Allows local jurisdictions to prohibit, restrict, or impose local licensing requirements on retail marijuana establishments; applications must be approved by both state and local authorities before operation.